In the most severe form, dry mouth can
lead to tooth decay, mouth sores and oral infections. Half of all Americans take at least one
prescription medication daily and more than 90% of adults over the age of 65 do
the same. Therefore, older adults are at significantly higher risk.

"Each day, a healthy adult
normally produces one and a half liters of saliva, making it easier to talk,
swallow, taste, digest food, and perform other important functions that often
go unnoticed," notes Dr. Fares Elias, past president of the AGD.